In your opinion, what should be the role of a primary care provider for a patient, taking into account both physical health and behavioral health needs? The primary care provider (PCP) is they lynchpin in any person's health care system. The PCP is the quarterback and should coordinate between all the different specialists that are involved in the patient's care. It is the job of the PCP to look out for the patient and ensure that all the disparate pieces come together for benefit of the patient. Additionally, education is a critical component of caring for a patient. The patient is better able to contend with the daily nuances of a particular disease process, if they understand that their symptoms are in fact a normal part of the disease. Understanding helps both the physical and psychological aspects of a sickness, injury or chronic illness. Often, addressing the psychological needs will help alleviate or even eliminate the physical symptoms. What makes you passionate about being a healthcare provider? I started as a firefighter/EMT at the age of 16 in suburban Philadelphia. As I grew and developed (EMT, Combat Medic, paramedic, phlebotomist, epidemiologist, physician assistant) I noticed how many of my colleagues were disinterested or irritated by their patients. I always felt that every patient should be treated as I would want my grandmother treated, with honesty and respect. I became passionate about advocating for the patient. I strive to make the patient better, even if better just means that they leave the appointment with an iota more understanding of the disease process than when they came into the meeting. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you like to do in your spare time? I am an avid scuba diver. I have been diving in 17 US states and 11 different countries. I dive both professionally and recreationally. I visit Mexico on a regular basis, having been to Cozumel 28 times in the last 8 years. I am a US Army veteran and a firefighter/rescue diver with over 22 years of experience.